the official publication of the Alabama Music Educators Association
ABA and AVA All-State Schedule and Clinicians
Conference Photos and Awards
Interview with Kathyrn Belle Scott
How To Select The Best Digital Audio Recorder For Your Classroom
Campus Connections
Much, Much More!
Garry Taylor, Editor & Advertising Manager
1600 Manor Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 636-2754 amea@bellsouth.net
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The Alabama Music Educators Association is a state unit of MENC:The National Association for Music Education, a voluntary, nonprofit organization representing all phases of music education in schools, colleges, universities, and teacher-education institutions. Active MENC/AMEA membership is open to all persons engaged in music teaching or other music education work.
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POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: MENC
1806 Robert Fulton DR Reston, VA 20191
President
Steve McLendon
Dothan High School
1236 S. Oates St.
Dothan, AL 36301
dhstigerband@aol.com
(334) 794-0146 School
Past President
Pat Stegall
Muscle Shoals High School
1900 Avalon Avenue
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
pstegall@mscs.k12.al.us
(256) 389-2682 School
(256) 389-2689 Fax
Recording Secretary
Carla Gallahan
212 Smith Hall, Troy University
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3502 School
cgallahan@troy.edu
(256) 627-4661 Cell
Treasurer
Karen Hickok
Northside Intermediate School
601 North 5th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-9731
hickokkaren@bellsouth.net
President, ABA
Chuck Eady
Pleasant Grove High School
100 Spartan Drive Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
(205) 379-5250 ext. 7 School
(205) 807-4311 Cell
chuckeady@aol.com
President, AOA
Marcy Wilson
P.O. Box 11121
Chattanooga, TN 37401
(423) 637-6500 Cell
mwilson@kenyonwilson.com
President-Elect
Sara Womack
Greystone Elementary School
300 Village Street Birmingham, AL 35242-6447
(205) 439-3200
sarawomack@att.net
Executive Director
Editor, Ala Breve
Garry Taylor
1600 Manor Dr. NE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 636-2754
amea@bellsouth.net
President, CMENC
Taylor Sparks
atsparks@samford.edu
President, Elem/Gen
Sharon McCann August
Liberty Park Elementary School
17051 Liberty Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35242
Collegiate MENC Advisor
Moya Nordlund
Samford University
School of the Arts/Division of Music
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
(205) 726-2651
minordlu@samford.edu
(205) 402-5400 School
(205) 987-5867 Home
(205) 936-3620 Cell
sharonaug.@gmail.com
President, AVA
Jane Powell
Flrence Middle School
648 N. Cherry Street
Florence, AL 35633
(256) 768-2460 Office
(256) 768-3105 Fax jane@alavocal.org
President, Higher Education
Timothy Phillips
Troy University
227 Smith Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3190
tphillips16791@troy.edu
If you’re taking the time to read this, chances are that you are a responsible, ambitious music educator who seeks to increase and enhance their professional skills. I would also be willing to bet that you attended this year’s AMEA conference. Thank you for coordinating that attendance. Your willingness to leave the classroom for a couple of days and relinquish a portion of your weekend is a real sacrifice. In turn, I hope that your conference experience was as fulfilling and inspirational as mine was.
When I first began teaching and heard the words “professional development hours,” it did not take me long to develop an aversion to the phrase. I had spent a large amount of time (and money) in the classroom learning how to be a professional music educator. How much more development did I need? My school system insisted that I needed these hours, but the diploma above my desk was my personal proof that I had spent enough hours developing into a professional. Fortunately, my youthful arrogance was short-lived and I realized that learning was a lifelong endeavor.
The problem was that my school’s professional development offerings were not always beneficial to me as a music educator. I was open to their ideas, but the reality was (and is) that a music classroom is different from any other classroom setting. My mentor, Dr. John M. Long, insisted that MENC, through the Alabama Bandmasters Association and Alabama Music Educators Association, was the answer. He was right. My professional organization gave me access to the best band programs in the state. I was able to listen to those groups perform in a formal setting and then talk to their directors in an informal setting. Over the years, I’ve learned more from these casual conversations and exchanges than I ever did in the classroom.
The opportunities that AMEA provides for music educators have only increased. Your most recent opportunity for professional development was at the conference last month. I hope you attended the conference and took full advantage of the clinics and concerts that were presented. If you received credit for professional development, I hope it was earned by your faithful attendance
and not for simply registering and returning the certificate. Talk to your division officials regarding what you liked about the conference and what you didn’t, as well as what you’d like to see in the future.
From the beautiful voices of Alabama vocalists to the unique echo of steel drums, the Renaissance in Montgomery was officially christened as our conference headquarters by the Alabama Music Educators Association. I was so proud to see the intercollegiate honors band make its first appearance under the baton of guest conductor Ray Cramer. Their concert was a glorious and moving musical experience, and Carla Gallahan was the catalyst behind this extraordinary addition to the conference. The Huntsville Youth Symphony was an excellent example of the talented string programs in our state. A clinic for elementary music teachers informed me that BoomWhackers are more than just baseball bats and pretend swords (although I haven’t convinced my grandsons.) Seriously though, the enthusiasm of elementary/general music teachers is contagious.
I believe President Truman said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” That describes your AMEA Governing Board. These people work tirelessly for their divisions, often with little recognition. Several of them are finishing their terms this summer and I’d like to personally and publicly thank them for their service: Chuck Eady (ABA), Marcy Wilson (AOA), Sharon August (ELEM), and Taylor Sparks (CMENC). Thank you Pat Stegall for organizing FAME and Garry Taylor for putting this conference together. Mr. Taylor was the reason this year’s conference ran so smoothly in a brand new venue.
I hope everyone has a strong finish to the year. Good luck in all your performance assessments, spring concerts, and other musical events.
...the Renaissance in Montgomery was officially christened as our conference headquarters by the Alabama Music Educators Association.
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AMEA’s first conference in Montgomery proved to be a very positive experience. As I heard a number of times during the weekend and since, the new venue has a “real convention atmosphere”. It was nice having everything under one roof and the hotel, convention center, and performing arts center, for the most part, all served our purposes very well.
MENC President Scott Shuler’s keynote address was outstanding! The inaugural Alabama Intercollegiate Band, conducted by Ray Cramer, was a huge success, as was the addition of two All-State Jazz Bands to the Saturday morning lineup. As always, the All-State Show Choir was fantastic. All of the performances on Saturday morning were very well attended.
Karen Hickok, along with her husband Steve, did a terrific job with registration. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s registration run smoothly. Our thanks also go to Eddy Williams and the Huntingdon College Music Department for providing equipment and student workers for the stage crew.
Yes, this year’s conference was a positive experience, but it was also a tremendous learning experience. As you might expect, there were unexpected challenges and we had a few “growing pains.”
Many of you filled out conference evaluation forms that were in your packets or the on-line conference evaluation survey. We appreciate your suggestions! Below are a few things we learned from the 2011 conference.
• We learned that loud sounds bleed over from one ballroom to the next. We may not be able to solve this problem completely, but we believe that with careful room layout and more strategic scheduling, we can improve on this.
• We learned we need more time built into the schedule for visiting exhibits and socializing. Your Governing Board did a great job of selecting clinic sessions and performances but most divisions had so many things going on that little time was left for anything else. At the Saturday AMEA Board meeting following the conference, there was discussion about employing a “quality vs. quantity” philosophy when it comes to sessions and performances. Attendance at all events may be better if the schedule is not quite so packed.
• We learned we need to use the biggest of the three available exhibit halls. We filled up Exhibit Hall B with a record 103 booths. In Tuscaloosa we were limited to 80 and that included the tables in the lobby. We will move to the larger Exhibit Hall C next year, which will provide space for about 40 more booths.
• We learned we need a concession stand in the exhibit hall. Coincidentally, Exhibit Hall C has a concession stand and we’ve already talked to the Renaissance about opening it next year. It will be convenient to grab a quick cup of coffee or snack while browsing the exhibits. We also plan to provide a water station or two in the exhibit hall.
•We learned having lobby performances is a good idea. A “lobby performance” option has been added to the
2012 performance application for chamber groups, etc.
• We learned that we will sell out of rooms in the Renaissance. We made arrangements for discounted rooms at other area hotels this year and will do the same for next year’s conference.
• We learned we need a Montgomery Convention and Visitor’s Bureau representative available in the lobby with information about area restaurants and attractions. The Montgomery CVB were extremely helpful this year and have promised to have someone in the lobby in 2012.
Yes, this year’s conference was a success but it can be better. With your help, we will make it better. Please continue to support the conference with your attendance. Your AMEA conference registration helps pay for the wonderful facilities at the Renaissance, including the beautiful ballrooms, massive exhibition hall, and the very impressive Montgomery Performing Arts Center. It also covers things that are less obvious, like the conference programs, display boards for the HED poster session, piano rental and tuning, audio visual equipment rental, etc. Our move to Montgomery is a positive one for AMEA but it is more expensive and we need your support to continue to provide the top notch conference that you expect and deserve. Maintaining membership in MENC/AMEA and attending the conference provides that support! It’s a win-win!
While we embark on advocacy efforts to gain support for music education across the state, we must remind ourselves of the qualities an effective advocate possesses in improving the status of our profession and hence, our impact on student learning.
• Sensible advocates for music education work to recognize the reasoning of others. Then, a plan of action can be developed to counter those opinions. As said by English poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “The first duty of a wise advocate is to convince his opponents that he understands their arguments and sympathizes with their just feelings.”
• Valuable advocates for music education have impeccable timing. They know how to
persevere and not give in, but also know when to reach out for a compromise. Music is timing. So, for a group of music educators, timing should be a strength.
• Reliable advocates for music education always remember the students in all advocacy efforts. They understand that they speak for those who otherwise would not have a voice. Without students, advocacy would not be necessary. Therefore, remember this phrase by Stephen Covey, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Our “main thing” is students.
• Honorable advocates are not afraid to be the "lone wolf." They ask the difficult and uncomfortable questions and are sometimes ostracized at first for their unpopular views, only to be thanked later for their vision and courage. They also build harmony, lead by example, foster leadership in others, and give and receive honest feedback and criticism.
AMEA is making a concerted effort to be a voice for students and music education across our state. A committee, comprised of representatives from each division, has begun work on a plan of action for advocacy. The committee consists of the following music educators:
Dr. Sara Womack, Greystone Elementary School (E/G) - Chair; Tim Hammonds, Thompson High School (ABA); Clay McKinney, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School (AOA); Kathy Hughes, Spanish Fort High School (AVA); Dr. Moya Nordlund, Samford University (CMENC); Dr. Gary Packwood, University of Montevallo (HED); Martha Lockett, Alabama State Department of Education
If you have any ideas or concerns regarding music education advocacy, please contact your division’s representative, who will relay your message to the committee. Plans are also underway to meet with the leadership of other arts education organizations to begin joint advocacy efforts. There is strength in numbers! Please join our forces and be an effective advocate for arts education in Alabama.
The AMEA festival thrived in its new location this year. AOA sponsored many great sessions by Marguerite Wilder, Clay McKinney, and Daniel Jamieson. All of the sessions were very enlightening and extremely educational. I know I left the conference exceedingly inspired. The Huntsville Youth Symphony Orchestra presented the AOA performance session. They collaborated with “Act of Congress” and the performance was entertaining for the audience. The HYSO did a fabulous job during the performance and should be very proud of their accomplishment. Congratulations!
The Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival, held on February 10-13, 2011, was a musical success! The students performed beautifully, and all the ensembles sounded like professional groups. Mother Nature tried to intervene again this year with snow, however, like last year; All-State prevailed. The AOA composition contest winner this year was Sean Pallatroni. His work When the Grass was Still Green received its world premier during the Sunday performance.
The work was well received, and Mr. Pallatroni spent the entire weekend as the composer-in-residence and spoke at the “Meet the Composer” event Friday evening. “Meet the Composer” was well received as Mr. Pallatroni sat at the piano the entire time demonstrating and explaining his great compositional skills. He was a wonderful addition to the weekend.
The students had a magnificent time learning from our talented conductors. Wes Kenney, Festival Orchestra Conductor, showed the students how to feel the music and taught the students that when performing late 19th century works we must wear the emotions of the music on our sleeves. Fred Geiersbach, Sinfonietta String Orchestra Conductor, inspired the students with musical challenges, and all students exceeded the challenge. Latoya Lamons, Consort String Orchestra, taught the students that almost right is never good enough. Her group saw the most improvement of the weekend.
Every year the Montgomery Symphony sponsors a deserving student to attend the Montgomery string fellow’s camp. This student has shown dedication and leadership throughout the entire weekend. We ask the
conductor each year to nominate a student from the Sinfonietta String Orchestra for this scholarship. We are pleased to announce that this year is recipient is Laney Hatfield from Tuscaloosa.
During the All-State Festival, AOA members welcomed our new executive board for the 2011-2013 term, President Clay McKinney, Secretary, Felicia Sarubin, Treasure, Daniel Jameison, and Executive Director Julie Hornstein.
Next year AOA will be implementing online registration for auditions as well as festival registration.The audition registration will be available sometime over the summer and will allow all students to receive their audition times faster. We are also on Facebook! Please become a fan of AOA and automatically receive updates and reminders about deadlines. Check out our new website at www.alabamaorchestraassociation.org It has been my distinct honor to serve as President of AOA for the past two years and to serve on the governing board for the past four years. It has truly been a humbling experience, and I know that AOA will continue to promote the best in music education. Thank you to all AOA members and the AOA executive board for all your support and encouragement during my term as president.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the premier high school football game in the nation. Produced by All American Games, this Bowl features the nation's top high school senior football players and marching musicians. A student selected as one of the 125 All-American Marching Band members receive an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, TX to march in the halftime performance of the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. Three Alabama students were selected to participate in 2011, Dylan Yates, Foley
GADSDEN, AL, January 14, 2011 -Alabama Music Educators Association member Michael R. Gagliardo, the Music Director and Conductor of the Etowah Youth Orchestras, has been elected to the Arts Education Council of Americans for the Arts, the nation’s nonprofit organization for advancing the arts. Gagliardo’s term begins on January 1, 2011, and runs for three years. Gagliardo is one of 12 new council members, and will serve with representatives from organizations across the country, including representatives from Dance Theatre of Harlem, the American Alliance for Theatre & Education, and Education Through Music, Inc. The council is chaired by Victoria Saunders, who is an arts and culture consultant based out of San Diego. Council members are elected by the general membership of Americans for the Arts. Gagliardo was one of 18 candidates nominated for the 12 open spots on the council.
Gagliardo brings more than 15 years of arts education experience and dedication to the Council. He was appointed President of the Alabama Orchestra Association in February of 1999, a position that he served in until May of 2003, and was a member of the Youth Orchestra Division Board of the League of American Orchestras from 1995-2001. He served as the President of the Alabama State Chapter of the American String Teachers Association from March of 2004 until May of 2006, and was named Outstanding String Teacher for the State ASTA Chapter in 2007. He has served as a presenter at the League of American Orchestras’ National Conference, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's Summer Teacher's Institute, the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, and the ASTA National Conference. Mr. Gagliardo was awarded Citations for Leadership & Merit by ASTA in 2007 and 2010, and served as the Chair of the 2010 National High School Honors Orchestra for ASTA. He also served as the Green Paper Project Ambassador for ASTA and Americans for the Arts. He is
currently a member of the National Advocacy Committee for ASTA.
The Arts Education Council represents the Arts Education Network – a segment of the professional members of Americans for the Arts, who work to improve access to and quality of arts education. The Council provides guidance on the development and execution of programs and services that meet the needs of the Arts Education Network.
“Michael R. Gagliardo brings expertise, skill, and passion to ensure that arts education thrives in our nation’s schools and communities,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Studies have shown that arts education helps young people develop skills in areas such as math, science and verbal and written communication – tools that can help them succeed in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that America’s children get an opportunity to have a quality arts education.”
More information can be found at http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org/net works/arts_education/arts_education_006. asp.
Reflecting on the AMEA conference is proving to be a positive process. Even though the new venue offered some challenges, everyone worked together and the weekend was very successful. I am personally indebted to Jerry Cunningham, Jody Powell and Lis Donaldson for the very dedicated way they each stepped up to lead the way in this transitional year to a new site.
Such great learning opportunities were afforded us on so many levels. We are grateful to Rosephanye Powell and Patrick Freer for sharing themselves and their knowledge with us. What a wealth of information they were able to impart in a short period of time. Their understanding of the challenges that we deal with in our classrooms and their helpful approach gave us a renewed commitment to our students. One of the highlights of Dr. Freer’s sessions was the work he did with some great young men from the Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School. Thanks to Mike Spivey for his willingness to share them with us. We also thank Terry Moore and Karen Anderson for serving as accompanists for our clinicians. Thank you all for sharing your time and talents.
Many thanks also to Carl Davis and the Decatur High School Women’s Choir, Elizabeth Stephenson and Grissom High School Concert Choir, Deborah Gray and Bragg Middle School Mixed Choir and Heather Cantwell and Liberty Park Middle School Girls choir for their performances. Being willing to prepare students for such an event and making the many arrangements to travel to Montgomery speaks highly of these programs and the commitment to excellence for the students.
I am always in awe of how hard the AllState Show Choir students are willing to work to produce such a fabulous product. This year was no exception! The students had a great time working together and with the clinicians, Greg Jasperse and April James. Thank you to these students for an excellent festival and to Rebecca Rockhill for serving as the accompanist for this group. I’m indebted as well to Matt Lentz for bringing together some of Alabama’s finest band directors and one of our orchestra directors to perform as the stage band for the performance. What fun for choir, band and orchestra to join efforts!
It is now time for us to turn our attention to the All-State Choral Festival which will be held on the campus of Samford University March 23 - 26. The State Outstanding Choral Student and Outstanding Accompanist competitions are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, March 23. The festival itself will begin with the General Assembly at 1:00 p.m. on March 24 and the first rehearsal begins at 2:00. The complete schedule is posted on the AVA website, alavocal.org. The clinicians coming our way are Jefferson Johnson, University of Kentucky; Paul Gulsvig, Onalaska, Wisconsin; Jeffrey Clayton, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, FL; Juan Tony Guzman, Luther College-Decorah, Iowa; Eileen Hower, Bloomsburg UniversityBloomsburg, PA.
AVA will implement the State Choral Performance Assessment for the first time during the spring semester of 2011. This is a once yearly assessment that replaces the District/State assessments. The assessments are being held in each district and directors have the option of attending
more than one assessment. The membership has chosen the name of this assessment but it is not the intent of the board to set the bar so high that our young teachers and those who find themselves teaching in struggling areas cannot be successful. Teachers are encouraged to use the auxiliary sheet, found in the handbook, to offer a description of the choir program so that the adjudicators will understand the parameters of the individual programs.
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With so much happening in AVA and within the individual programs I would like to take this opportunity to encourage each of us in a few areas. We must always plan ahead, read the AVA handbook concerning all events, and strive to be organized & punctual. I encourage everyone to be sure that each registration is complete and mailed to the proper person before the stated deadline. Read and re-read the By-laws & the Standing Rules that govern each event. Consult the calendar and deadlines on the alavocal.org website to be sure you are registering for each event by the deadline to avoid a late fee. Send all of the required registration forms with a purchase order or check to either your district chairman or the executive secretary, as instructed on the form. Register for each event separately. Follow up with your bookkeeper to be sure that registrations have been mailed as you instructed.
Ultimately, the success or failure of every aspect of our choir programs rest squarely upon our own shoulders.
I wish for each of you successful performance assessments, an exciting AllState experience and rewarding end of the year concerts.
Ultimately, the success or failure of every aspect of our choir programs rest squarely upon our own shoulders.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
12:00 p.m. AVA Board Meeting Wright Basement
3:00 p.m.Female OCS Competition
Brock Recital Hall
3:00 p.m. OA Competitions/Picture
4:30 p.m. OCS--Picture
Brock Recital Hall
4:45 p.m. Male OCS Competition
Brock Recital Hall
Thursday, March 24, 2011
8:00-11:30 a.m.ASSC Rehearsal Wright Performance Center
10:00-1:00 pmRegistration Wright Basement
11:00 a.m.Luncheon Meeting
Wright Mezzanine (President, President-elect, Clinicians & Coordinators)
12:00-12:30 p..m.. ASSC Dress Rehearsal
1:00-1:45 p.m. General Assembly (Director and Students)
ASSC Performance Samford University Choir
2:00-5:30 p.m. All-State Rehearsals
HS SATB Wright Concert Hall
HS SSA Brock Recital Hall
HS TTBB Bolding Studio
MS Mixed Reid Chapel MS Treble Cassesse Band Hall
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner Break
7:30-9:30 p.m. All-State Rehearsals
HS SATB Wright Concert Hall
HS SSA Brock Recital Hall
HS TTBB Bolding Studio
MS Mixed Reid Chapel
MS Treble Cassesse Rehearsal Hall
11:00 p.m. Curfew
Friday, March 25, 2011
8:30-11:30 a.m.All-StateRehearsals
HS SATB Reid Chapel
HS SSA Brock Recital Hall
HS TTBB Bolding Studio
MS Mixed Wright Concert Hall
MS Treble Cassesse Band Hall
HS SATB Reid Chapel
HS SSA Brock Recital Hall
HS TTBB Bolding Studio
MS Mixed Cassesse Band Hall
MS Treble Wright Concert Hall 4:30-6:30
Saturday, March 26, 2011
OCS/OA District winners in assigned seats in front of auditorium
ACS/OA/ME State winners photo
Jefferson Johnson is Director of Choral Activities at the University of Kentucky where he conducts the University Chorale, UK Choristers, and Men's Chorus. He also teaches advanced choral conducting, choral methods and literature, and directs the graduate program (MM and DMA degrees) in choral music. A native of Atlanta, Johnson received the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Georgia (magna cum laude, 1978), the Master of Music from the University of Tennessee (1981), and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado (1992). While living in Atlanta, Johnson was also a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus conducted by Robert Shaw.
Johnson is presently Music Director of the Lexington Singers . The 180-voice community chorus annually performs major works with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2000 the chorus performed Mozart's Requiem with the Vienna Mozart Orchestra in the famous Hofberg Palace and sang the evening mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. In 1999 the Lexington Singers celebrated its 40th anniversary with a performance in New York City as Johnson made his Carnegie Hall debut conducting the Singers and orchestra in Faure's Requiem.
Dr. Johnson's recently released video "Ready...Set...Sing!" is published by
Santa Barbara Music Publishing. It has been featured at music educators' conventions from Ohio to Hawaii. In addition, Johnson maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator and guest conductor for high-school and collegiate choirs throughout the United States. He has recently conducted honor choruses in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New York, North Carolina, and South Dakota. He has also been a clinician for the ACDA-National Convention (Washington, D.C.), ACDA-Central Division (Detroit, MI), ACDA-Southern Division (Charleston, SC and Orlando, FL), North Carolina ACDA, Michigan ACDA, Ohio ACDA, Georgia ACDA, Kentucky ACDA, and Iowa ACDA. The University of Kentucky Chorale, under Dr. Johnson's direction, has performed at regional and state conventions of ACDA and MENC.
taken him to Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, West Virginia, Iowa, Nebraska, Arizona, South Dakota, Indiana and Michigan, as well as his home state of Wisconsin.
He is most proud of his three children who have college degrees in music. Two are choral conductors while the third is working for "havefunorgohome." In his spare time, you will find Paul on the golf course, working out at the fitness center or spending time with his grand twins, Hailey and Riley.
TTBB Chorus
Paul Gulsvig taught vocal music for 33 years, and retired in 2006 from Onalaska High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, where he taught for 28 of those 33 years.
Paul Gulsvig has begun a new career with a new company, More Than Music. Paul's new career includes; retreat presenter, show doctor, motivational speaker, leadership workshops for high school, in-service workshops for school districts and show choir adjudication. He has been able to assist a wide variety of schools, including elementary, middle & high schools, college and graduate programs. His expertise has
Jeffrey Clayton is in his eleventh year as Vocal Department Chair at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. He is honored to be a member of a faculty that has been awarded two consecutive GOLD GRAMMY AWARDs from the Grammy Foundation and last year (2010) being awarded the top prize as the National GRAMMY Signature School—the best high school music program in the United States! In April of 2008 Mr. Clayton was awarded the prestigious Gladys Prior Award for Career Excellence in Teaching.
His choirs, ensembles, and soloists have earned countless superior ratings at district and state festivals as well as performing for live television specials. His Chorale Women have been the opening choir for the Florida Chapter of the American Chorale Directors Association (ACDA) convention. They performed for the 2010 ACDA Southern
SSA Chorus Jeffrey Clayton Jefferson JohnsonDivision Regional Conference in Memphis and for the 2011 National ACDA conference in Chicago.
Clayton received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Samford University, a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from the Indiana University School of Music; and was awarded an Opera Fellowship for completion of his doctorate at Florida State University.
Clayton is married to Kim Clayton, a professional musician, and they are the parents of seven boys ages 21 to 7— Phillip, Andrew, Daniel, Jacob, Jonathan, Caleb, and Noah!
Guzmán holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the Florida State University and a degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Guzmán received a bachelor's degree from Luther College, and a master's degree from Florida State University in music education. While attending Florida State, he also received a certificate in pedagogy of music theory. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in national and international festivals.
Potsdam, a Masters degree from Marywood University, and is currently working toward a DMA at Boston University. She is a member of MENC and ACDA and is vice-president of ACDA-PA.
Ms. Hower's choirs have been invited to perform at state, divisional and national ACDA and MENC conventions. She has been a guest conductor for various choral festivals and has presented interest sessions at state, division and national conventions on subjects pertaining to middle school choral music and the middle school voice. Her article, “Designing a New Paradigm for Selecting Music for the Middle School Choir” appeared in the November 2006 issue of Choral Journal .
Mixed Chorus
Conductor, composer, arranger, and music educator from the Dominican Republic, Tony Guzmán is currently director of the jazz program and associate professor of music education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He has conducted All-State, honor festivals, recording studio, shows, summer camps choirs, concert bands, jazz bands, and orchestras in several countries during the past thirty years. He has written many arrangements of Caribbean and Latin American music, some of which are published by Boosey & Hawkes and Oxford University Press. Recent clinics and presentations include the Dominican Republic National System of Youth Orchestras, World Choral Symposium, the Music Educators National Conference, Associação de Regentes de Corais do Brasil, The Association of British Choral Directors, the Scottish Association for Music Education, and the Festival 500 in Canada, among others.
Eileen Hower is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA. She taught general music and conducted the choirs of Central Columbia Middle School in Bloomsburg, PA for 18 years. Mrs. Hower holds a Bachelors degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY
Ms. Hower's 7 th grade general music students wrote and performed original opera for 13 years. She and her students have presented sessions at all levels of MENC conventions, and she has published articles on the subject in Music Educator's Journal and PMEA News .
Ms. Hower is listed in myriad Who's Who . She was named locally as 1995 “Teacher of the Year”, March 2002 “WBRE Teacher of the Month” and received the 2005 PMEA District VIII Citation of Excellence Award.
Chorus Tony Guzman
Digital audio recorders are becoming an almost essential part of every music education classroom. Teachers use them as assessment tools, to record individual student performances for later evaluation, or for recording and evaluating large ensemble rehearsals. Other classroom uses like producing podcasts or for individual student practice and reflection are also great reasons to consider investing in a digital audio recorder. The newest units are ultra-portable, easy to use, and in most cases provide excellent sound quality.
But how does one make the final decision of which digital audio recorder to buy?
The answer lies in the fact that specific models seem to suit themselves better to specific classroom situations. Be aware that the suggestions shown below reflect the opinions of a single band director that has had the opportunity to test and do comparative reviews of over a dozen digital audio recorder models. Your personal preferences on brands or models may vary, but my experience has shown that the recommendations below work well for most people.
The first thing that most people want in a portable digital audio recorder is a very small, pocket sized, form factor. The problem is that the smaller the microphone the lower (in general) the quality of the recording will be. In most cases a larger diaphragm microphone will provide better quality recordings, so going smaller often means sacrificing the high and low frequency ranges. However, there are a few ultra-portable digital audio recorders that manage to pack a very responsive microphone into a very tiny device.
On the small end of things look for units like the Yamaha W24 or the Zoom H1. The Yamaha PockeTrak line was one of the first to go super small but as mentioned the microphone quality wasn’t that great in the early versions. The new PockeTrak W24 is actually very good and has the added benefit of having a wireless remote control. The Zoom H1 is actually a slimmed down version of the very popular H2 and H4 line, but they managed to keep the same larger diaphragm coincident pair microphones that give really good sound quality at a fairly low price.
For those that want to make sure they have
better quality sound recordings and are willing to use a larger unit because of it consider the Edirol R-09HR, the Zoom H4n, or the Sony PCM-D50. The Sony PCM-D50 is a unit highly prized by some media producers such as National Public Radio, but it carries a steep price tag. For about $200 less the Zoom H4n provides the same level of flexibility with built in XLR jacks and phantom power plus the ability to record four channel audio. The Edirol R-09HR is a little bit less than the H4n, but is a lot less bulky and produced some of the best audio recordings of all in my testing.
Finding ways to use a digital audio recorder in a classroom is the easy part. For most, just picking the right one without having any buyers remorse a few weeks later is more difficult. Luckily, going with any of the suggestions listed above will insure that the purchase is a good one.
Chad Criswell is the national technology writer for MENC Teaching Music Magazine and is the author of the music technology web site, MusicEducationMagic.com.
Colleges
Auburn University Department of Music hosted the Twentieth Annual Auburn Honor Band Festival on February 10-12, 2011. Nearly 900 nominations from high school band directors yielded approximately 220 top high school musicians who participated in a weekend of concerts, rehearsals, and social activities. This year’s festival involved students from over 125 high schools and represented eleven different states. A festival highlight was a “Host Night” concert for the participants by the Auburn University Symphonic Winds and Jazz Ensemble with special guest soloist Graham Breedlove, trumpet soloist and member of the United States Army Blues Jazz Ambassadors, from Washington, D.C. Guest composer/clinician for the weekend was Eric Morales who composed and conducted an original piece for each of the three ensembles. Conductors for the Honor Bands were Rick Good, Director of Bands at Auburn; Rob Hunter, from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona; and Ishbah Cox, Auburn graduate, and current Assistant Director of Bands at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
A recent visit to the Auburn campus by Quink Vocal Ensemble was an extraordinary experience. This talented group of singers from the Netherlands performed a sophisticated concert of English madrigals; English and German partsongs by Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, and Ernest Moeran; and several beautiful folk song settings. Additionally the ensemble members provided an excellent vocal master class for voice students. Our guest artist instrumental palate this spring includes a Baroque trumpet, piano, cello, and horn.
Students benefit from hearing these outstanding performances and their shared expertise in master classes.
In the Auburn Department of Music, we are proud to offer an intimate and nurturing atmosphere that provides opportunities for individual attention and regular performance for students. I invite you to read about our distinguished faculty, major performing ensembles, programs of study, and available scholarships, and assistantships on our website at: www.auburn.edu/music. Contact the Department of Music at 334844-4165 if you have questions about our degree programs or offerings.
War Eagle!
From The John M. Long School of Music, Troy University...
We are grateful to AMEA for providing this opportunity to share information with our colleagues across our state.
Spring Commissions
Finding and selecting music to study and perform with students is one of the most important responsibilities of music teacher/conductors at all levels. Having the opportunity to commission and premier new works has the potential to add to a growing body of quality literature. Having the composer “in residence” during the process adds a unique dimension to the commissioning process.
During the spring 2011 semester, ensembles at Troy University will premier/perform several works commissioned by our School of Music. In each case, the composer was/will be in residence as follows:
“Let My Voice Ring Out” – Earlene Rentz, composer (premiered on January 15th as part of the 4th Annual Southeastern United States Choral Clinic on our Troy campus with the composer conducting). Contact Dr. Michael Hix for more information about the piece.
“Free Running” – Robert Buckley, composer (premiered on January 20th at AMEA by the Troy University Symphony Band). Robert Buckley will be in residence for a recording session with the Symphony Band at the Davis Theatre in Montgomery March 23-26th. Contact Mr. Ralph Ford for more information about the piece.
“Confessions” – Eric Barnum, composer. Mr. Barnum will be in residence to work with the Troy University Concert Chorale Feb. 28th-Mar. 1. Contact Dr. Diane Orlofsky for more information about the piece.
“Migraine Sketches” – Kevin Bobo, composer. Mr. Bobo will be in residence to work with the Troy University Percussion Ensemble Mar. 19th-21st. Contact Dr. Adam Blackstock for more information about the piece.
This is an exciting time on our Troy University campus. We invite to visit us in person or on line at music.troy.edu.
Nicholas Brownlee, a junior Vocal Performance student of Dr. Thomas Rowell, was first place winner of the Gulf Coast Regional Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in New Orleans, Louisiana, held Sunday, January
and universities are encouraged to submit newsworthy material and announcements for publication in Ala Breve
The 2011 AMEA In-Service Conference in Montgomery was an extraordinary success, thanks to the leadership of our Executive Director, Garry Taylor, excellent presenters, enthusiastic participants, and outstanding performances! Karen Medley delighted us with classroom friendly lessons; Dave Holland led us in a drum circle and gave us many ideas for drumming in the classroom; Chris Byars and Dr. Ken McGuire led us in informative sessions; The Gallinas previewed all their wonderful publications; Brad Bonner shared his classroom lessons; and Dr. John Feierabend entertained and informed us with two new sessions! In addition, we heard two outstanding choral performances, one by Montgomery Academy Choir with director Cliff Huckabee, and another by Birmingham Children’s Choir Una Voce’ with director, Amanda Klimko. Thank you to all who participated in Montgomery and helped to make this a conference to remember.
I am especially appreciative of those who filled out the conference evaluation forms. I have read all of your comments, and will share them with President-Elect, Beth Davis. I am sure Beth will use your suggestions in planning next year’s conference. There were several common threads. One was the request for more exhibitors. We had hoped that the move to Montgomery would encourage more exhibitors, and we had the space for them to be there. Beth will be working with Garry to encourage more participation, but the decision to exhibit is made on a corporate level in the individual
23 at Loyola University. Brownlee will advance to the National Semi-Final round to be held at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City during the second week of March, 2011.
The University of South Alabama Department of Music hosted its first Double Reed Week January 25th-27th,
companies. If you have any personal contacts with exhibitors, please encourage them to come to Alabama next year. Other suggestions for scheduling and presenters will be most helpful as the planning begins for 2012.
On the AMEA website, please note the announcement and commitment form for the 2011 AMEA Elementary Music Festival, which will take place on Friday, October 7, at Samford University Wright Center with clinician Dena Byers. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to give your students the experience of singing quality literature with a nationally recognized clinician in an outstanding performance venue.
The day after the festival, Saturday, October 8, the Alabama Chapter of AOSA and the Elementary Division of AMEA will jointly offer a workshop featuring Dena Byers. You won’t want to miss this workshop, so mark your calendars!
I am pleased to recognize the 2011-13 slate of officers elected by the membership at the Elementary/General Business meeting. Joining President, Beth Davis:
President-Elect: Karla Hodges
Secretary: Heather Atkins
Treasurer: Lea Hoppe
Hospitality: Katie Hoppe-McQueen
I would also like to recognize the outstanding service of the outgoing governing board. The hard work and excellent dedication of Beth Davis, Dr.
2011. Activities included a reed workshop and masterclasses with USA double-reed faculty member Dr. Rebecca Mindock (oboe) and guest Dr. Kirsten BoldtNeurohr (bassoon). The event culminated with a recital featuring Dr. Mindock and Dr. Boldt-Neurohr.
Sara Womack, Lea Hoppe, Dan Norris, and Heather Atkins have helped make the last two years very successful for our division. It has been a privilege and an honor serving on the AMEA Governing Board as President of the AMEA Elementary/General Division and I look forward to continuing as Vice President.
Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns – sharonaug@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates
•March 5-AOSA Workshop with BethAnn Hepburn at Minor Community School – 9:00-3:00.
•May 6-7-ACDA Young Voices at Auburn University.
•June 6-17-Orff Schulwerk Level II Certification at Samford University.
•June 20-24-AL AOSA Music Camp at Trinity United Methodist Church.
•October 7-AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Dena Byers at the Wright Center, Samford University.
•October 8-AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Dena Byers at Samford University.
•November 9-12-AOSA 2011 Professional Development Conference in Pittsburg, PA.
Auditions for the University of South
Alabama Department of Music are scheduled for March 12 (vocal auditions only) and April 2. Please visit the department website at http://www.southalabama.edu/music/ for more information about audition requirements, scholarship availability, academic programs, and faculty information.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Dena Byers, BS, BM, MM, Orff Schulwerk I-III, master class certification, Creating Artistry I-III certification, has taught in the Durham Public Schools in North Carolina for the past 14 years and is currently teaching at Hillandale Elementary School. She is also the Associate Conductor for the Durham Children’s Choir. In 2005, she was a top four finalist for District Teacher of the Year and became National Board Certified. She is an active presenter for local chapters and national Orff and music educator conferences, as well as the North Carolina Symphony. Dena has been a guest choral clinician for numerous All-County chorus events. She served on the National Board of Trustees for the American Orff Schulwerk Association as a Regional Representative (2006-2009). In 2010, Dena was the recipient of the Jackson Parkhurst award as an outstanding North Carolina Music Educator.
The cost of the Festival is $20 per student. Each school may bring up to 10 students, who should be elected by their music teacher based on the following criteria:
1. Students must be in fourth or fifth grade.
2. Students should demonstrate a high level of interest and participation in the local music program.
3. Students must be able to sing on pitch and follow a conductor.
4. Students must be willing to practice and memorize music before the Festival.
5. Students must exhibit self-discipline.
The performance pieces will include:
1. “I Am a Small Part of the World” by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse – J.W. Pepper 1827591
2. “Goin’ to Boston” arranged by Shirley McRae – J.W. Pepper 3198140
3. “Firefly” by Andy Beck – J.W. Pepper 10029937
4. “Hope of the Future” by Tom Shelton – J.W. Pepper 3295515
5. “Shine on Me” arranged by Rollo Dilworth – J.W. Pepper 3295346
6. “Song for a Pirate Child” by Vijay Singh – J.W. Pepper 3079720
7. “Ching a Ring Chaw (and Great Gittin’ Up Morning)” arranged by Linda Spevacek – J.W. Pepper 3124963
8. “Can You Hear?” by James Papoulis – J.W. Pepper 3297611
Further information can be found on the Elementary/General Division website at www.alabamamea.org. You can also contact Festival Director, Dr. Sara Womack, at sara@music.org.
Due by Friday, April 15, 2011
School: System: School Address:
School Phone: School Fax:
Music Teacher:
Home Address:
Home Phone: Home Fax:
E-mail Address: MENC Member Number:
How many students are you planning to bring to the festival?
Are you Orff-certified? (circle one) Yes No If yes, level completed:
Would you be willing to teach dance or instrument parts to your students in addition to the music? Schools that are assigned instrument parts will be responsible for bringing their own instruments
Dance: Yes No
Instrument Parts: Yes No
Return by mail, fax or e-mail to:
Dr Sara Womack 1150 Alford Avenue
Hoover, AL 35226
Phone: (205) 317-5010
Fax: (205) 439-3201
E-Mail: sara@music org
A reader of this column requested that a collection of hints specific to helping directors improve their woodwind sections would be useful to him and other young directors. It seems that problems with the woodwind instruments are a continuing concern to even the most experienced directors, and we all are always looking for good advice! I polled several of the top directors in the state for their solutions that can be offered from the podium that will reinforce or create good woodwind playing.
Suzanne Winter is the recently retired director of the Pizitz Middle School Bands, which she directed to many state and regional honors. She suggests: “One thing that directors can do, that many don't think of, is to have flutists slightly raise the head as they descend the scale (or as music is in the lower part of the staff). It also helps to raise the head slightly as a note is sustained for a long time. As you know, the tendency is to play flat on sustained tones and in the lower octaves, so the raising of the head helps intonation tremendously. The director just has to use body language to remind the flutes about what to do.”
Our next contributor is Dr. Leslie Welker who is the director of the Hillcrest/Duncanville Middle School Band, which performed for us in January at the AMEA Conference. Her advice concerning the woodwind section is as follows: “I stress to the woodwinds that they should sit up straight and fill their instruments with air so they're not covered by the brass and percussion and their sound will be characteristic of the instrument. I have the reed players (clarinets and saxes) use lots of mouthpiece. I tell them to put enough mouthpiece in their mouth until they squeak. Then, they back off the tiniest bit until there are no squeaks. That's about the right amount of mouthpiece they should use. I have the flutes keep their
heads up and, when they blow across the headjoint, I have them think of a laser beam of air going across. This helps them focus the sound. For double reeds, I make sure than they have enough reed in their mouth and that they keep the air constant to help provide a rich sound.”
Theo Vernon is the Director of The Symphonic Band II and the Jazz Bands at Grissom High School in Huntsville. Besides being a great director, he is one of the busiest performers in the state and provides these helpful woodwind insights: “Flutes need more room around their chairs than any other instrument. Have them turn their chairs out "towards the audience" and bring their flutes up as if they are playing the clarinet. Then they turn their head to the left and flip their wrists up to bring the lip plate to their lips. Their elbows need to be down and relaxed. Their music stand should be adjusted appropriately so they can see the music without having to move their head, arm, and hand position. This can be very foreign to many that are not used to doing this but it can make a difference. Also have them push their right arm/elbow forward a little to relieve the tension in the right shoulder. It may be a good idea for flutes to not share a stand if possible to avoid bad playing posture.
Clarinets and ALL reed players need at least three working/playable reeds at every rehearsal. Be sure they are not too soft or too hard for the level of the player. They need to check to see if the reed “seals” on the mouthpiece every day. In general when the clarinet plays top line G and above, they need to back off the speed of air a bit so as to allow these notes to NOT sound spread or too strong. The same advice goes for the saxophones as far as reeds and check to see if they seal on the mouthpiece. Check for too much or too little mouthpiece in the mouth and be sure the neck strap (They MUST have a neck strap) is low so they are not tilting their head forward and up. Their chins should
be pointed down a little. Their size will determine whether the alto is played in front of them or to the right side. When they are tall enough I prefer the horn in the middle of their bodies but NOT resting on the chair seat. Have them think of blowing their airstream at their left thumb at the thumb rest. This helps to focus the air better.
Oboe and bassoons need three working reeds too if possible and affordable. With the changes in weather and temperature in every venue it is a must. Check for how much reed is going in the mouth. Too much and it will sound very spread and unfocused. Too little and it will sound very thin.
Bass Clarinets need to have the proper length on the post and the post should be positioned under their chair in front of them between their legs at an angle so their head is tilted down a little. This will help to insure proper angle of the mouthpiece. It also depends upon what brand instrument and neck they are playing on too to determine the proper angle. We use the synthetic reeds http://www.legere.com/ for all our low reed instruments. They are great and last a very long time!”
Kim Bain is the Director of the outstanding Pizitz Middle School Band a ‘first call” saxophone player for the major professional performances in the Birmingham area. She offers a checklist of several important points for helping the saxophone section.
1.The instrument needs to be in top working conditions. Leaky pads make fuzzy, unfocused sounds.
2. Mouthpiece selection: Vandoren Optimum AL3 for altos and Rousseau New Classic for Tenor. Of course the standard is the Selmer C star, but this mouthpiece has become quite pricy. Run away from any metal mouthpieces that
enter your band room, and allow them only in your jazz band.
3. Reeds: I still recommend the Vandoren, Purple box, strength 3.
4. If you do a lot of tuning exercises on F concert (Remington etc.),don't be surprised if your altos and baris sound sharp. The D is quite sharp on all brands. Concert A is a much better tuning note.
Our final contributor, Professor Raymond Smith, is the woodwind instructor and Director of the Concert band at Troy University. In his thirty-plus years of teaching, he has guided students and bands at all levels, from elementary to graduate school. His advice is not so much a “quick fix” from the podium, but some good long-term guidelines to help the development of the overall band program. He states: “I am a believer that good band sound, good woodwind tone, good intonation, and good technique begins with targeted listening. While most band directors preach to listen down to the bass section for intonation, they seldom do a
good job of teaching to balance to the woodwind section. The woodwinds have a limited dynamic potential. If woodwinds try and play louder than they can, lots of bad things happen like: bad tone, bad blend and bad intonation. While it is true that from time to time to achieve a specific effect we should allow the brass and percussion to dominate the band sound, most bands could raise their evaluation at festivals a whole level by just balancing to the woodwinds.
One reason for not playing transcriptions is a lack of understanding of the woodwind sound within the texture of the band. Many modern composers have replaced the traditional role of principal clarinet with principal percussion or lead trumpet. While many of these contemporary compositions are exciting, the woodwinds are often little more than chord organs. The woodwind choir is a beautiful blend that we can use to raise the whole level of our groups.
I encourage every band director to find ways to make every section an important part of the whole. We woodwinds understand that in the marching band we will never be as loud as the brass and percussion. BUT - we need our turn. We chose the concert band. Most band directors think nothing of hiring outside help for their dance line, percussion or flags, while the flutes, clarinets and saxophones are mostly left to figure it out on their own. I submit that playing a flute is a little more complicated than most flag routines. Let’s spend as much time and money on the clarinets as we do on the drum line.”
Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to improving quality instruction and advancement of bands in this state. Please email pemin@mac.com with any comments on this column or suggestions for future columns.
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What a great AMEA Conference! The new location and facility were wonderful. Thanks to everyone who attended. If you did not attend I hope you will try to be in Montgomeryfor the 2012conference. There were many outstanding clinics and concerts. I would like to thank the performing ensembles for their hard work and impressive performances. Please consider applying for your group to perform at the 2012conference. The application can be found in this issue of Ala Breve and on line and all requested material must be sentto Garry Taylor by June 1. I would also like tothank thosewho presented sessions at this year’s conference. As always, if you have a suggestion for a future session let one of the ABA Board members know.
Good luck to the bands preparing for MPA. We hope it will be a great musical experience for all participating bands.
Registration for All-State will again be on line. Please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS given at the AMEA conference and found on the ABA website. If you have any questions about registration, please contact Doug Farris at alabamaallstate@gmail.com.
The 2011 All-State Clinic will be held April 14-16at the MobileRenaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, the Mobile Convention Center, and the Mobile Civic Center. Our conductors are Steve Tyndall, Middle School Band; Sue
Samuels, Blue Band; Elva Kaye Lance, WhiteBand; and Col. John Bourgeois, United Stated Marine Band, ret., Red Band. Please read their bios and note the clinic schedule in this issue of the Ala Breve.
The All-State Solo Festival will be held on Wednesday, April 13 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel with the finals event planned for 7:30 pm. If you can, I would encourage you to come early and try to attend as this event showcases manyof the finest high school musicians in our state.
We have sold out our entire block of rooms at theRenaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. Watch the website for information concerning other available hotels and rates.
The ABA Summer Conference will be held June 22-23, 2011at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Orange Beachwith the Music Selection Committee and Board meeting on June 21. Reservations must be made no later than June 1 to receive the conference rate. Contact the
Hampton Inn and Suites at1-800-4267866. Our group code is ABM. We will offer several clinics as well as our annualMusic Performance Assessment Adjudicator Certification class at this conference. More details will be given at the All-State meeting.
With the threat of looming budget cuts and programs in jeopardy, we must be advocating for our music programs. I encourage you to “Be an Advocate” by selling your program to your parents, administration, and local school board. For ideas and encouragement in your advocacy visit www.menc.org/ resources/view/booster-advocates, and ww.menc.org/resources/view/musiceducation-advocacy-central. If we do not advocate for our music programs, no one else will.
As always, if I can be of assistance, please let me know. May you and your students be musically blessed as we finish the school year.
Chuck Eady, President, Alabama Bandmasters AssociationWednesday, April 13, 2011 - All-State Solo Festival 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Finals 7:30 pm Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel
9:30 am-5:30 pm Warm up room Grand Bay Ballroom II
9:30 am-5:30 pm Brass and Percussion Performances Mobile Bay Ballroom I
9:30 am-5:30 pm Woodwind Performances Bon Secour Bay I
7:30-9:30 pm Finals Concert Bon Secour Bay I
Thursday, April 14, 2011
1:30 pm Directors Meeting 107 A&B Convention Center
2:00-5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open Convention Center
2:00 pm Auditions begin Rooms TBA in Hotel and Convention Center
5:30 p.m. Audition results posted at rehearsal sites
Unassigned personnel posted at all four sites
6:00-7:30 p.m. Exhibits Open -ConferenceCenter,BallroomA
6:00-9:30 p.m. Rehearsal (All Bands, Convention Center) Red Band (West Ballroom)
White Band (201 B,C, & D) Blue Band (204 A & B) Middle School Band (202 A & B)
7:00-9:00 p.m. ABA Board Meeting Hotel, Harbor Room
12:00 midnightCurfew for all participants. Directors are responsible for their students.
Friday, April 15, 2011
8:30-12:00 noon Exhibits Open Convention Center
8:30 am -12:00 pm Rehearsal (All Bands, Convention Center)
9:00-10:00 a.m.ABA General Business Meeting 107 A&B, Convention Center
12:00-1:15 p.m. Phi Beta Mu Luncheon 106 A, Convention Center 1:30-5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open Convention Center
1:30-5:30 pm Rehearsal (All Bands, Convention Center)
3:00-4:00 p.m. Clinic - Performing at the Midwest” Andy Pettus, Clinician
107 A&B, Convention Center
7:30-8:30 pm Concert - University of South Alabama Band Bon Secour Bay Ballroom, Hotel
Saturday, April 16, 2011
8:00-8:45 am Middle School Band Rehearsal Civic Center 8:45-9:30
Director Emeritus Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret.), was the 25th Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. His acclaimed career spanned nine presidential administrations, from Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower to Bill Clinton.
Bourgeois is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and entered “The President’s Own” as a French hornist and arranger in 1958. Named Director of the Marine Band in 1979, Bourgeois was promoted to colonel in June 1983. He retired from active duty July 11, 1996.
As Director of “The President’s Own,” Bourgeois was Music Advisor to the White House. He selected the musical program and directed the band on its traditional place of honor at the U.S. Capitol for four Presidential inaugurations, a Marine Band tradition dating to 1801. He regularly conducted the Marine Band and the Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, appearing there more frequently than any other musician in the nation.
Under Bourgeois’ leadership the Marine Band presented its first overseas performances in history, traveling to the Netherlands in 1985 where “The President’s Own” performed with the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy. In February 1990, Bourgeois led the Marine Band on an historic 18-day concert tour of the former Soviet Union as part of the first U.S.-U.S.S.R. Armed Forces band exchange. He also directed the Marine Band on 16 nationwide tours, bringing the music of “The President’s Own” to the American people.
Bourgeois is past president of the American Bandmasters Association, chairman of the board and past president of the National Band Association, president of the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and the
American vice president of the International Military Music Society. He has served on the boards of directors for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles and the Association of Concert Bands. As Director of the Marine Band, Bourgeois was Music Director of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Gridiron Club. He is a member of the Military Order of the Carabao, the Alfalfa Club, and the College Band Directors National Association.
Among the many honors and awards Bourgeois has received are the 1986 Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster Award and the 1987 Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award for “contributions to the growth and development of modern college and university bands.” In 1993, he was awarded the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Medal of Honor. Bourgeois was elected to the Academy of Wind and Percussion Artists of the National Band Association in 1988 and received the 1991 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Citation “for service and dedication to music and country.”
Bourgeois conducted his final concert as Director of “The President’s Own,” July 11, 1996 (the band’s 198th birthday), at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. More than 3,500 people, including prominent musicians and government dignitaries, attended the gala event. Former Presidents Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter, as well as former First Lady Nancy Reagan sent letters of gratitude and praise that were read at the concert. Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton hailed Bourgeois as “a national treasure” and presented him with the Distinguished Service Medal from President Clinton. Marine Corps Commandant General Charles C. Krulak compared Bourgeois to the band’s 17th Director, John Philip Sousa, saying, “Our Corps has not only
had John Philip Sousa, we have now had a John Bourgeois. His legacy will never be forgotten by the Marine Corps or our nation.” The change of command received national attention, being covered by CNN, ABC, CBS, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. ABC’s Peter Jennings selected Bourgeois as the Evening News “Person of the Week.”
After the change of command concert, The Washington Post’s chief music critic wrote, “Bourgeois leaves his ensemble in terrific shape; indeed, it would be hard to imagine any band playing with greater vigor, precision, and timbral variety ... Washington is very generous with its standing ovations. But Bourgeois deserved each and every one he received last night.” Since retiring from the Marine Band, Bourgeois has been actively involved in music as a guest conductor, has published new editions of classic band compositions, and is a visiting professor in a chair endowed in his name at Loyola University in New Orleans.
Elva Kaye Lance is Director of Bands at Mississippi State University, and with her appointment in 2002, she became only the eighth person in the band’s one hundred and seven year history to hold that position. A veteran music educator of 32 years, her current responsibilities include conducting the Wind Ensemble, providing leadership for the Famous Maroon Band and administering all aspects of the band program. Now in her eighteenth year at Mississippi State, Ms. Lance teaches methods classes within the Music Department and assist with supervision of the student teachers.
Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, Ms.
Lance served as a director at the junior high and high school levels in the state of Mississippi where her bands consistently received superior ratings in all categories.
Ms. Lance maintains an active schedule as a clinician and adjudicator for both concert and marching band events throughout the country. The MSU Wind Ensemble recently completed a concert tour of Ireland and England in May, 2008.
Professionally, she is a member of the National Band Association, Mississippi Bandmaster’s Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Kappa Phi, Music Educator’s National Conference, College Music Society and the College Band Director’s National Association.
is a strong advocate for chamber music and for music education and actively supports the UAB Clarinet Choir, Blazer Woodwind and Brass Quintets, and all other facets of instrumental music at UAB.
Ms. Samuels’ teaching experience prior to her arrival at UAB includes 12 years at Lassiter High School in Marietta Georgia, 1 year as Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, and 2 years as Director of Bands at WT Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia. Under her direction, all bands she conducted received straight superior ratings at festivals over her 14 year career as a high school band director. In addition, the bands at both Lassiter and Woodson performed at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, and the Lassiter Band won the 1998 Marching Band Grand National Championships.
coming to Rising Starr, he served as band director at McIntosh High and J.C. Booth Middle Schools, both in Peachtree City, Georgia, and also taught in the GriffinSpalding County School System (Georgia) from 1985 until 1988.
Sue Samuels is the Director of Bands at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her responsibilities include teaching and administering the Marching Blazers, the Wind Symphony, and the Blazer Band, as well as teaching courses in conducting and marching band techniques. Since Ms. Samuels arrived in Birmingham, the bands at UAB have continued to grow and thrive under her direction. The Marching Blazers continue to wow the crowds with contemporary sights and sounds. The UAB Wind Symphony performs at least 2 concerts per semester at the Alys Stephens Center, and the group continues to perform the very finest literature available for the contemporary wind band. UAB continues to host more than 200 high school band performers at the All-Star Band Festival each fall and more than 600 young musicians at the annual Middle School and High School Honor Band festivals each December. The Blazer Band performs throughout the winter at home basketball games, and also accompanies the teams to the Conference USA and NCAA Tournaments. In addition, Ms. Samuels has created the UAB Community Wind Symphony, a group of interested amateur musicians of all ages who perform 3 concerts a year. Ms. Samuels
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Ms. Samuels attended Furman University in Greenville where she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Ms. Samuels has also been educated at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where she completed the Master of Music Degree in Instrumental Conducting and at the Eastman School of Music. She received the PhD in Music Education from Auburn Univeristy in 2009.
Ms. Samuels is frequently invited to serve as a clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and guest speaker throughout the country. She is a member of the Music Educator’s National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, and the National Band Association.
Mr. Tyndall received the Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Jacksonville State University (Alabama) and the Master of Music Education degree from The University of West Georgia.. Mr. Tyndall’s bands have previously performed at the 1990, 1997, and 2003 Georgia Music Educator’s Association InService Conferences. He has also had bands perform for the University of Southern Mississippi Instrumental Conductors Conference in 1992 and 2001, the University of Georgia Middle School Festival in 1992 and 1999, the Southeastern United States Middle School Concert Band Clinic at Troy State University in 2002, the 57th Annual Midwest Clinic in December 2003, the Western International Band Clinic, held in Seattle, Washington, in 2005, The bands of America Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2006, the 62nd Annual Midwest Clinic in 2008, and will again perform at the 2011 Music For All Concert Band Festival, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana this March. The McIntosh High School Band performed two concerts as part of the cultural arts program held in conjunction with the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Mr. Tyndall is presently serving as the Georgia Music Educators Association State Band Division Chair.
Mr. Tyndall’s performing experience includes marching with The Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps (1979-1980), The Marching Southerners of Jacksonville State University (1980-1984), and Tara Winds Community Band.
Steven Tyndall is currently in his twentysixth year of teaching in Georgia public schools. He has been director of bands at Rising Starr Middle School since the school opened in 1997. He currently has 220 students in grades 6-8 comprising three concert bands and a jazz band. Prior to
Mr. Tyndall has 2 daughters, Emily, 23, a graduate clarinet performance student at the Guildhall School for Drama and Music in London, and Erin, 20, a sophomore at North Georgia College and State University. Mr. Tyndall makes his home in Peachtree City with LuAnn, his wife of 27 years.
Name____________________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________ City __________________ State ___________ Zip _____________
Phone (_____) ______________________________________Email __________________________________________
Proposed Session Title ______________________________________________________________________________
Session Description _________________________________________________________________________________
Division (please check all that apply):
_____ Alabama Vocal Association_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association_____ Higher Education
_____ Collegiate (CMENC)_____ Alabama Orchestra Association_____ Elementary/General
• Session proposals must be submitted by the individual who will be presenting the session as the primary clinician.
• All Alabama clinicians who are music educators must be members of MENC/AMEA and must register for the conference in order to present a session.
• AMEA does not pay honoraria or expenses to its members.
• Individual requests for particular times cannot be granted. Submission of a proposal assumes acceptance of the scheduled times.
• If the session is accepted, the primary clinician will be responsible for informing all other participants of all the specifics relating to the session.
Please attach a black and white photograph and clinician biography (100 words or less)
Submit
Name of Ensemble __________________________________________________________________________________
Current # of Members ________________________________________Age Level of Ensemble ___________________
School ____________________________________________________ Director _______________________________
Address ___________________________________________________ City ______________________Zip _________
Phone: School (_____) _______________________________________ Cell (_____)____________________________
Email ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Applying for:_____ Stage Performance _____ Lobby Performance (chamber groups, etc. - no percussion ensembles or jazz bands.
Division (please check all that apply):
_____ Alabama Vocal Association_____ Alabama Bandmasters Association_____ Higher Education
_____ Collegiate (CMENC)_____ Alabama Orchestra Association_____ Elementary/General
Conditions:
• Submission must include completed performance application, high quality recording of the ensemble (no more than two years old), programs from recent concerts, biography of the conductor and performing group, picture of the performing group and two letters of recommendation. (A current photograph of the group and conductor will be requested should the ensemble be selected to perform.)
• Recordings must include two varied selections of high-quality literature.
• Consideration will be given to level of musical quality, variety, as well as overall conference schedule and planning.
• Directors of performing groups must be members of MENC/AMEA and must register for the conference.
• Directors must agree to adhere to performance stage time limits, as set forth in the conference schedule.
• Directors will be notified of selection by July 30, 2011.
I have read the above conditions, and if selected, agree to abide by them.
Director’s Signature_________________________________________________________________________
Please attach a black and white photograph of the performing group, biography of the group and conductor (100 words or less each), recent concert programs, and two letters of recommendation.
Submit to:Garry Taylor, Executive Director
Alabama Music Educators Association
600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, AL 35055
DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2011
AMEA honors its members who have shown a special dedication to music education in Alabama. Various individuals have been honored with AMEA’s “Outstanding Music Educator” award because members have taken the time and interest to nominate them. This award provides our organization the opportunity to honor those who have set high standards for our profession, and who give all of us inspiration and direction. It is likely that every member knows of colleagues or former teachers who have influenced him or her greatly, and who should be honored with our recognition.
Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the awards is scheduled for the AMEA In-Service Conference in January 2012. Please complete this form and mail to the address below before July 15, 2011. Garry Taylor, AMEA
Executive Director1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055
Qualifications:
1. Educator must have served a minimum of ten (10) cumulative years as a music educator in any school system(s) and/or collegiate institution(s) in Alabama.
2. Nomination must be made by an AMEA member or by a school administrator. AMEA Board members are ineligible for nomination during their terms of office.
This nomination should be accompanied by the following:
1. A list of specific actions which have initiated or enhanced music education at the local level and/or at state, regional or national levels.
2. Four (4) letters of recommendation: one from a fellow music teacher and three others from any appropriate source. (May include one from a former student, if available.)
AMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award
Name of Nominee____________________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
School System______________________________________________________________________________
Number of cumulative years served as a music educator_______________
Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011
AMEA honors outsanding administrators who have shown a special interest and dedication to music education in Alabama. Various individuals have been honored with AMEA’s “Outstanding Administrator” award because members have taken the time and interest to nominate them. This award provides our organization the opportunity to honor those administrators who have shown outstanding support of music education and who give all of us inspiration and direction. It is likely that every member knows of an administrator who is deserving of our recognition.
Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the awards is scheduled for the AMEA In-Service Conference in January 2012. Please complete this form and mail to the address below before July 15, 2011.
Garry Taylor, AMEA Executive Director1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055
Qualifications:
1. Administrator must have served a minimum of ten (10) cumulative years in any school system(s) and /or collegiate institution(s) in Alabama.
2. Nomination must be made by a current member of AMEA.
This nomination should be accompanied by the following:
1. A list of specific actions which have initiated, and/or enhanced music programs in the system which the nominee administers.
2. Four (4) letters of recommendation from school personnel, community leaders and/or parents.
Name of Nominee____________________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
School System______________________________________________________________________________
Number of cumulative years served as an adminstrator_______________
Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011
Awarded to a person “who has clearly given very special service to AMEA or to the goals and purposes of AMEA.” The recipient is “clearly recognizable statewide, and the service for which the award is given, represents a long range commitment that, in every way, can be considered extraordinary and distinguished.” The person has given tirelessly and selflessly to the cause of music education in Alabama and this person’s service would be greatly missed. Forms must be received by July 15. The presentation of the award is scheduled for the AMEA Conference in January 2011. Please complete this form and mail to the address below by July 15, 2011.
Garry Taylor,AMEA
Executive Director1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055
Qualifications:
1. Nominee must have served the cause of music education in Alabama.
2. Nomination must be made by a current member of AMEA.
This nomination should be accompanied by the following:
1. A list of specific actions which have initiated, supported and/or enhanced music education in Alabama.
2. Four (4) letters of recommendation from school personnel, community leaders and/or parents.
Barbara M. Odom Distinguished Service AwardName of Nominee___________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
Nominated by_______________________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position_____________________________________________________________________________
DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2011
Name of Nominee_________________________________________________________________________
Teaching Field____________________________________________________________________________
Name of School(s)_________________________________________________________________________
Current StatusActive_____Retired_____Deceased_____
Number of years spent in teaching, administrating or supporting music education in the state of Alabama ___________Dates____________________________________________________________
Nominee's Address_________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________State_______________Zip________________________ Telephone__________________________Email_________________________________________________
In your letter of recommendation please address the following qualifications:
1. Member of AMEA/MENC and/or supporter of music education and/or professional musician.
2. Excellence in teaching or administration
3. Contributions and improvements made in music education.
4. Betterment of our profession through exemplary service or acts.
5. Professional offices, publications, awards, performances.
6. Professional ideals and academic integrity.
7. Age 55 or older.
Please provide three letters of recommendation from any of the following: students, administrators, fellow teachers, community, state or national leaders.
Nominator______________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State_______________Zip________________________ Telephone_________________________Email_________________________________________________
Send this form, along with your letters of recommendation by July 15, 2011, to:
GarryTaylor,
Executive DirectorAlabama Music Educators Association
1600 Manor Drive NE Cullman, Alabama 35055
AMEA Outstanding Administrator Rita Thomas, Hillcrest High School
2011 AMEA Honor Roll
Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award Gene Gooch
AMEA Outstanding Music Educator Paul Edmondson, Gadsden City High School
Kathryn Belle Scott, a native of Alexander City, Alabama, has the distinct honor of being the first female NCAA University marching band director in the nation.
A lover of music since childhood, she attended the University of Alabama on a bassoon scholarship, earning undergraduate and post-graduate degrees with honors. After just one year of teaching in the secondary school system in Alabama, she was asked to interview for the position of Assistant Director of the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band.
Scott served as Assistant Director from 1976 to 1983 and, in 1984, made history by earning the title of Director of the Million Dollar Marching Band. Determined to make the band program the best in the nation, Scott was known for putting in long hours, holding demanding rehearsals, and being a stickler for details—all of which are the hallmarks of success.
It was under Scott's impressive direction that the band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy—the highest
honor for a college marching band. Scott retired with her final performance in 2002 with a tremendous halftime show known as "Halftime of a Lifetime" that stunned and amazed a 98,000 capacity audience at Bryant Denney Stadium. You saw no fans at the "usually packed" concession stands for those 8 and a half minutes!
Throughout her tenure at Alabama, Scott made an indelible mark on countless students and fans. Her legendary work ethic, relentless pursuit of excellence, and extreme determination have placed her in the pantheon of college marching bands, and has made a significant impact upon women entering the field of instrumental music education, leveling the playing field in the historically male-dominated area of college band directing.
As part of an Oral History project at Arizona State University, I asked for an opportunity to talk with Kathryn to find out the pathway of her career, things she learned along the way, and advice to new, current, and future music educators. It was a fascinating conversation for me to be able to
by Amy Spearshave, and I think others will find it interesting, inspiring, and helpful as well.
Amy: Where did you grow up and go to high school?
Kathryn: I was born in Alexander City and attended Benjamin Russell High School.
Amy: What college degrees did you receive and from where?
Kathryn: I received my Bachelor of Music Education and my Master of Arts in Instrument Music Education from the University of Alabama.
Amy: What is your principal instrument? What secondary instruments do you play? Kathryn: I took piano lessons throughout my life until I went to college. I started out playing tenor saxophone in seventh grade, and my principal instrument in college was bassoon. I marched trumpet and French horn my last two or three years at Alabama.
Amy: How long did you teach in the public schools?
Kathryn: One year, at Cherokee Vocational High School. It was a K-12 school, and I taught 5th through 12th grade. I taught high school band and various classes of beginning middle school bands.
Amy: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Kathryn: I wanted to be a bassoonist and my mother, being wise, said, “Honey you need to at least get your teaching certificate,” and at that time I didn’t know what she really meant by that. She just said you can always fall back on it, and I thought, “Well fall back on it? Heck, I want to be a bassoonist!” But during my freshman year, it didn’t take long, I understood what she meant by that. The longer I was at the University, the more I realized, “I don’t want to practice 8 hours a day,” and I saw the odds of how difficult it would be to make a living in the performance arena unless you were an extraordinary musician. So I [switched to] music education.
Amy: Were your parents musicians or teachers?
Kathryn: My mother went to the University [of Alabama]. She started out in music on piano and realized quickly (and I’m sure that’s why it influenced her to encourage me to get my teaching certificate) that unless you were an outstanding player, it was and is tough to make a living in the world of performance. Mother taught English literature and grammar for grades 4 through 8. My dad was a salesman and then, a civil servant in Alexander City. His primary objective was to make sure that his three children went to college. We all work hard. And oddly enough, nearly everyone in my extended family is a teacher!
Amy: Was it difficult to find a job when you graduated?
Kathryn: I graduated the summer of ‘75 with my master’s degree. It’s early August and I’ve been putting out job applications everywhere. Well, how many female band directors do you think were in the state at that time? The answer to that is, maybe three at best. Blanche Simmons was the premiere female band director and taught at Fairhope High School. Out of three or four [female] band directors [in the state], you’d only hear about one or two of them and Blanche Simmons was the first name to be mentioned. But here I am, graduating at the top of my class and having, I suppose, been considered one of the top candidates for a
band director, yet because I was a woman, I couldn’t even get an interview. I would call the principal or the superintendent, and they’d say, “We’ve already made a selection.” So that’s how it was in 1975. It was VERY disheartening and embarrassing. The anxiety can be overwhelming about acquiring a first job, being man or woman, but fortunately, probably a week before high school classes began, I got a call from the principal in Cherokee, Alabama. [At the interview] the first thing [Mr. Taylor] said to me (and you could never get away with this today) but he said, “I sure am glad you‘re not some small young girl!” I think he said “petite girl” (laughs). In other words, “I don’t know if you could handle a big group if you’re a small-framed female.” And I said, “Well, no sir, I’m surely not that!” (You know, I was rather desperate to land my first band directing job and September was approaching fast.) (laughs). Basically, they were in a bind, and so was I.
Amy: What memories do you have of your first or first years of teaching?
Kathryn: There were only about 40 [students] at best, that’s including four majorettes and eight flags that I decided to recruit from the school population. So it was a start from scratch kind of thing. They didn’t even know how to play scales, the whole bit. I will say this: it was a great learning experience. I mean I had to drive the bus, the school bus from high school to middle school (laughs) three times a day to teach those various groups. It was just, “Take what you could get and make a class out of it.” I would pick the students up in the school bus and take them to the high school—by the time we got there, we’d already lost a good 15-20 minutes of class time.
Amy: How many years did it take before you felt fully in control of your craft as a teacher?
Kathryn: I think you’re always continuing to learn when genuinely passionate about your profession. Each class is different and each student has his or her own challenges. I felt like I was always learning. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I often tend to look at what I could have done better rather than what was good out there, and what the students and I had done well. I don’t know that I can ever say, “I’ve learned all I can, and I am now in control of all areas of my teaching capabilities.” I feel competent, but the bottom line is that you’ve always got room
Amy: Was there a period in your teaching life when you were the most "in the zone?"
Kathryn: I think my last 4 or 5 years, I felt strongly that I finally knew what I was doing. I knew what I needed to concentrate on as far as developing shows, not only for my students but also for the crowd, for the team, for the alumni, and for our devoted Crimson Tide fans. But I’d say that when I started noticing that people were remaining in their seats at half time, which was certainly my goal, I was beginning to feel in a zone. I wanted to keep people there, watching our band at half time, not going to get a hot dog. Those last 5-8 years, I would climb my ladder and check out the crowd— I was always looking at the crowd—and I saw that, I suppose, 98% of them were in their seats. People told me all the time that they come for the half time. Now I know they come for the game as well, but that’s a nice compliment. That, to me, caused me to feel very competent as a band director and pleased for my students. They deserved the praise and appreciation.
Amy: What became your strengths as a teacher? How did you develop these?
Kathryn: I certainly made time to listen to my students. If they had complaints, I wanted them to come to my office. It was difficult because at the end I was worn thin by not having adequate staff, but you have to make time for the students. And if they have a valid complaint, then I certainly need to take that into consideration and weigh its validity. A lot of times they had excellent points, and I certainly tried to change.
Amy: What were your weaknesses and how did you compensate for these?
Kathryn: I was too much of a perfectionist and didn’t see enough of the good. I felt as though I should have looked more at the positives and what they were doing right, plus I was so understaffed my last seven or eight years. There was just me, an administrative assistant and primarily one Graduate Assistant. But you need at least two strong full time directors who are teaching and recruiting for the band program on a consistent basis and whose objective is to work together as we administer the marching band program. If I had had more instruction assistance, I would have been available for the band members far more consistently. I know we would have been a more cohesive and successful marching program, and their MDB experience would have been much more fulfilling.
Amy: What did you learn from your students throughout your career?
Kathryn: I learned that they will do just about anything you ask them to do. They wanted to please you and perform well, regardless of whether they liked a certain "show" idea or not. When we would hear real applause from the crowd, they obviously accepted the "occasional reality" that some of my creative decisions were "worthy". So they would listen to me. I certainly listened to them as well. We had to give and take. However, their dedication was superb!
Amy: What kind of impact do you think or hope you had on your students?
Kathryn: I hope they left knowing that anything less than their best was never acceptable. I preached that they would never
regret striving for excellence. I do believe that they understood that that’s what I expected! That’s what drove them, and consequently, drove me. And if they didn’t want to give me their best, then they needed to be in another organization. They inherently knew when their efforts were less than their best! They could tell from the reaction of the crowd, for the most part, and "my eyes". And you know, band members feel good when they are appreciated. Our efforts fed off each other.
Amy: What did you find most rewarding about teaching?
Kathryn: The students, without a doubt. Students are to this day my closest friends overall without a doubt. Their friendship was and still is invaluable to me. They were really all I had time for during my teaching career. It became such a 15-hour-a day minimum job and then we went on required trips. Many of them were fun and many were exhausting, but we had to do it, so I was with them seven days a week for many months. So there’s no question that the students and the relationships which were forged through our time together cannot be touched. That’s the gift of teaching!
Amy: Why did you retire?
Kathryn: "As Oprah recently stated:" 'It was time.' (laughs) Truthfully, I was giving out at the end. I would have stayed longer at the University, but again, you can only do so much with limited staffing and I refused to wear out my welcome. If I wanted to reach that next bar of excellence, then I had to have additional assistance. Looking after 350 plus students is a huge challenge and an immense responsibility. I tried my best to convince my supervisors that I needed
assistance.
Amy: If you could start all over, would you still be a teacher or would you choose another occupation?
Kathryn: You should always pursue your passion, but if you’re going to teach, it better be a passion. If it’s not, then you’re going to be unhappy in the long run because you’re certainly not in it for the money. "Would I change to another occupation?" I already have. I've been a Realtor with Realty Executives for several years since retirement! Tuscaloosa actually has weathered the real estate market problems far better than most Alabama cities. But in all sincerity, that's an easy one. When I am laughing and reminiscing with my former students and watching them emulate my every move during all of my rehearsal antics throughout the decades, I've never had a single regret!
Amy Spears is a doctoral student in music education at Arizona State University. Prior to coming to ASU, she was a director of two successful high school band programs in Alabama. In those positions, she taught a variety of instrumental ensembles including marching, concert, and jazz bands. Ms. Spears also taught music appreciation and guitar classes. In addition to her high school bands, she has also worked with beginning and middle school bands. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University in Alabama and her Master of Music in flute performance from the University of Alabama.
January 19, 2011, Montgomery Renaissance Hotel
The AMEA Governing Board met at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama on January 19, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by AMEA President Steve McLendon. Present at the meeting: Steve McLendon, Garry Taylor, Pat Stegall, Karen Hickok, Carla Gallahan, Chuck Eady, Martha Lockett, Taylor Sparks, Sara Womack, Tim Phillips, Sharon August, Jane Powell, Dakota Bromley, Moya Norlund, John Cooper, and Marcy Wilson.
The minutes of the August 14, 2010 meeting of the AMEA Governing Board were read by Higher Education President, Tim Phillips. The minutes were approved as read.
The AMEA Profit & Loss Statement was distributed and discussed by Garry Taylor. Chuck Eady (Karen Hickok) motioned to accept the report. Passed. This report is available online at alabamamea.org Officer, Representatives, and Division Reports may be viewed online by visiting our website, www.alabamamea.org
Old Business
A professional photographer will be at the AMEA In-Service Conference to record the events. She was provided a schedule of events. Candid photographs of clinics and performances will be taken and each division will be represented.
The Higher Education Division will continue discussion on the peer-reviewed article process at their meeting during the conference.
Karen Hickok discussed the registration process for the 2011 conference and distributed registration packets to division presidents.
The by-law proposal change was discussed and the Governing Board was encouraged to explain the proposal to their divisions during the individual division meetings.
The dates for the Alabama Music Educators Association In-Service Conference will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama for the next three years. The dates for these conferences are: January 19-21, 2012; January 10-12, 2013; and January 23-25, 2014.
Pat Stegall reported on FAME (Future Alabama Music Educators) participants for this year’s conference and encouraged the Governing Board to attend the first meeting of FAME for introductions. A brief discussion occurred on individual division checking accounts and proper procedures for opening and maintaining the accounts. Additional information will be discussed at a future Governing Board meeting.
New Business Leadership training for the AMEA Governing Board will continue at the June meeting.
AMEA Conference expenses have increased and a discussion was held to consider ideas to offset these rising costs. Chuck Eady (Marcy Wilson) moved to increase the conference registration $5.00 next year. The motion passed. Chuck Eady (Pat Stegall) made a motion to increase the exhibit booth registration from $300.00 to $325.00; the cost for exhibitors reserving 4 or more booth spaces will remain at $300.00 for each space. The motion passed.
Sara Womack discussed advocacy and is interested in moving forward on two fronts – both music education and arts education. She asked for each
division to consider members to serve on this committee.
Music Education Week will be held June 24-28, 2011 in Washington, D.C. and the board members were encouraged to consider participating in this event and encourage their division members to participate.
Division Presidents were urged to review this year’s conference schedule carefully and contact Garry Taylor with any conference needs. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carla Gallahan AMEA Recording Secretary
January 21, 2011, Montgomery Renaissance Hotel
The Alabama Music Educators Association met at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama on January 21, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 9:22 a.m. by AMEA President Steve McLendon. The membership voted to suspend the reading of the minutes and financial report from the January 19, 2011 AMEA Governing Board meeting.
President McLendon welcomed everyone to the conference and addressed the two proposed changes to the by-laws. Recording Secretary Carla Gallahan read the current by-law and the proposed change in the by-law for each. The membership voted to accept the proposed changes to the AMEA By-laws.
President McLendon then introduced MENC President Scott Shuler, the Keynote Speaker for the 2011 AMEA Conference.
January 22, 2011, Montgomery Renaissance Hotel
The AMEA Governing Board met at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama on January 22, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by AMEA President Steve McLendon. Present at the meeting: Steve McLendon, Garry Taylor, Pat Stegall, Karen Hickok, Carla Gallahan, Chuck Eady, Taylor Sparks, Sara Womack, Tim Phillips, Sharon August, Jane Powell, Dakota Bromley, Moya Norlund, John Cooper, Clay McKinney, Jody Powell, and Beth Davis.
President McLendon recognized and thanked each division for the outstanding conference. Mr. Taylor noted that he will review each of the conference evaluations and then disperse them to the division presidents for review. Each Division presented conference comments: CMENC - presented a preliminary report on conference details and noted overall numbers were down. Possible reasons for this decrease may have been due to the increased cost in attendance and the Intercollegiate Band.
Higher Education - noted that a schedule change in the higher education events may improve attendance at events. The Peer-Review Committee is being formed and information will be in the Ala Breve.
Alabama Bandmasters Associationreported that exhibitors were concerned with less traffic through the exhibit area, possibly due to a large number of clinics. A suggestion was made to have a designated exhibit time for each division. The acoustics in the performance hall posed a concern, however the division is learning the stage and will make improvements for next year.
Alabama Vocal Association - expressed
interest in choirs having the opportunity to warm-up on stage before concerts. Requested a water station be placed in the room with the Show Choir. Discussed the possibility of using a shell for performances.
Elementary/General Division - expressed many positive comments about the conference. Requested a place to store equipment before the conference begins to facilitate set-up. Suggested the presider information be placed in the AMEA Conference program to recognize their contribution.
Alabama Orchestra Association - reported a great conference and that they were pleased with attendance, performances, and clinics. A discussion occurred on the possibility of having an AOA reading session.
FAME (Future Alabama Music Educators) - Pat Stegall reported that FAME was fantastic, however attendance was down. Mr. Stegall made suggestions for next year’s conference including a coffee kiosk and fast food availability, providing exhibit time and encouraging everyone to attend the keynote address, and possibly having a “theme” for each conference.
Treasurer - Karen Hickok distributed a report on conference attendance with a division breakdown and noted that conference attendance (750 attendees) was up slightly. She also commented that parking was an issue at the conference and thanked everyone for their help during the conference.
President-Elect - Sara Womack suggested that small group performances between sessions would be a good addition to the conference. This year’s ensembles worked well and this would provide additional opportunities for performances. Additionally, Womack reported on an Advocacy Committee meeting to focus on both music and arts concerns. She requested a volunteer from each division to serve on this committee.
Executive Director - Garry Taylor checked with each division president to discuss their room for the conference and additional needs. The decision was made to switch the AVA room and the Elem/General Music room for next year. He also inquired about concerns/comments regarding the hotel staff and the AV staff in the ballrooms.
Recording Secretary - Carla Gallahan thanked the AMEA Board for supporting the Inaugural Alabama Intercollegiate Band and reported that the experience was a tremendous success.
President - Steve McLendon discussed the presentation length and the importance of each event to adhere to the allotted time limit. He also commented that presiders should be well-prepared for their duty. Additionally, a discussion occurred on suggestions to improve educators accountability for clinic attendance. Sessions for joint division representation were also discussed.
Garry Taylor once again thanked everyone for a great conference. The AMEA Governing Board thanked the Alabama Intercollegiate Band for their work and commented on the outstanding performance. `The next meeting of the AMEA Governing Board will be held on June 16, 2011, 10:00 a.m., at the Renaissance Hotel.
President McLendon adjourned the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Gallahan AMEA Recording SecretaryAMEA In-Service Conference/All-State Jazz Band
January 20-22, 2011 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center
All-State Solo Festival
April 13, 2011 - Mobile
District I
All-State Band Auditions
District Honor Band State MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District II
All-State Band Auditions State MPA
District Honor Band
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District III
All-State Band Auditions
District Honor Band State MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District IV
All-State Band Auditions
District Honor Band State High School MPA
State Middle School MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District V
All-State Band Auditions
District Honor Band State MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District VI
All-State Band Auditions
District Honor Band
Solo & Ensemble Festival State MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District VII
All-State Band Auditions State MPA
Solo & Ensemble Festival
District VIII
All-State Band Auditions State MPA
District Honor Band
Solo & Ensemble Festival
All-State Band Festival
April 14-16, 2011 - Mobile
Summer In-Service Conference
June 22-23, Hampton Inn and Suites, Orange Beach
January 29...........................................Brewer High School
February 18-19...............................Bob Jones High School
February 24-25..............................................Huntsville HS
March 24-25......................................................Decatur HS
April 2..............................................Hartselle High School
April 30...........................................Liberty Middle School
January 15..................................Jacksonville High School
February 23-25.........................Gadsden City High School
March 25-26..........................Albertville Fine Arts Center-
April 30........................................................................TBA
January 29...............................Muscle Shoals High School
February 18-19.................................Florence High School
March 9-11.......................................Florence High School
May 7......................... Muscle Shoals Middle School
January 15...........................................Hoover High School
January 28-29...............................Homewood High School
February 22-24.............................Homewood High School
March 8-10..................................................................TBA
December 14.........................Clay-Chalkville High School
May 7.........................................Thompson Middle School
January 29........................................Prattville High School
February 18-19.......................University of West Alabama
February 23-24...................Moody, University of Alabama
March 8............................................Prattville High School
April 26.........................................Hillcrest Middle School
January 29..........................................Opelika High School
February 25-26...................................Auburn High School
March 5................................... Auburn Junior High School
March 8-10.........................................Opelika High School
April 2......................................................St. James School
January 15.......................................Davidson High School
March 23-25......................................Daphne High School
April 30......................................Alma Bryant High School
May 7...........................................Robertsdale High School
January 29....................................................................TBA
February 22-24...............................Enterprise High School
February 25-26............................................................TBA
May 7.............................................Andalusia High School
May 14............................................Rehobeth High School
AMEA Conference
January 20-22, 2011 Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center
All-State Orchestra Festival
University of Alabama
February 10-13, 2011
Fall Workshop - September 10-11, 2009 - Dawson Baptist Church, Homewood
All-State Show Choir Auditions - October 7-9, 2010 - Hueytown First United Methodist Church
AMEA/Show Choir - January 20-22, 2010 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center
FAME - January 21, 2011 - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center
All-State - March 24-26, 2011 - Samford University, Birmingham
OCS/OA at All-State - March 23-26, 2011 - Samford University
ASSC at All-State - March 24, 2011 - Samford University
All-State Auditions - November 11 - Florence High School/Florence Middle School
November 12-13 - Mayfair Church of Christ, Huntsville
November 15 - Spring Hill Baptist Church, Mobile
November 16 - Montgomery, TBA
November 17 - Hueytown United Methodist Church
November 18 - Gadsden City High School
November 19 - Hueytown United Methodist Church
October 1 – AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Cristi
October 2 – AMEA/AL AOSA Joint Workshop with Cristi
November 3-6 – AOSA National Conference, Spokane, Washington
January 20-22 – AMEA In-Service Conference, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center
